Change-over valve for gas dispensing systems



April Z, 1946. A. D. KRUGLER k 2,397,570

CHANGEQVER VALVE FOR GAS DISPENSING SYSTEMS Filed Dec. 1, i941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ALLEN 0'. KRUGLER 'April 2,1946. A. D. KRIIUGLER 2,397,670

CHANGEOVER VALVE FOR GAS DISPENSING SYSTEMS Filed Dec. 1, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR v ALLEN D. KRUGLER TOR Y oses Apr. 2, we 1 2,397,670

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Allen D. mnei-Jutiesvma'oua, usignorto Phillips Petroleum Company, a corporation of Delaware Application December 1, 1941, Serial No, 421,221

The present invention relates to a fully automatic multiple cylinder gas system, wherein exhausted sources of supply are progressively disconnected and new ones connected as the condi-' In the accompanying drawings:

either as an elevation or a plan, since the device I is not limited in operation to any particular position of mounting. r

Figure 2 is a detail of a suggested embodiment of the cam, ratchet gear and pawl assembly as inFigurel.

Figure 8 shows the assembly oi stations have been shown for simplicity, numeral o use m y require. Inits simplest mm, s is the main body of the assembly, and all other the device would providei'or automatic selective p ts l e y' er Valve n s withdrawal of fluid from the respective conand l are fitted with threaded inlet connections tainers or a two-drum gas system. It could just I and 8, permitting ingress of fluid to valves 1 as well, however,. be used with three, four, or and 8. The threaded connections '9 and iii are more containers of gas by properlydocatin an 10 provided for convenience of assembly and for appropriate number of inlet valves in the device. accessibility to the valves. The main body I is The primary object of my invention is to profitted w in h nnels l2 and I3 so that presvide a fully automatic means 01' eiiecting eleesure may be admitted selectively from either side tive withdrawal oi iuei gas or other fluid from y enin of v v 1 or valve re p v y. a d first one and then anothe similar source l! a common outlet H is provided. Within the Another obje t of the present device is to housing I is contained a rotatably mounted cam vide for progressive withdrawal of fluid from having one more depending upon the more than two sources, whereas p st devices number of valves to be actuated and upon the have, by the nature of their construction, been amount of diaphragm travel allowable mine case necessarily limited to a maximum 01 two singular design valves 1 and a are or plural surces gendered responsive to the cam iIB h by ntieans of A further object of this device is to avoid 6 members and changing over 0! the supply connections due to a vancement the cam is brought ab ut by osciltemporary minor fluctuation of pressures or to latory motion oi the diaphragm 23 and the sprin any disparity of pressures in the respective supwhich respond to pressuretransmitted ply containers through the restricted channel 22. The linkage members I! and 20, in cooperation with the The device further provides means to prevent ratchet pawl a, serve.- mform the linear escape of pressure through any disconnected stamotion oi the diaphragm into angular motion in tion on the system, without the need for auxiliary 3o the cam. The spring 28 is guided by virtue of back-flowcheck valve devices.

An the sleeve 25, operating within the confines of the 01. the above objects and advantages are malaifimjectionu in the spring housin 2 g realized by the use 01' a single pressure diaphragm and rm which to ind m 1 be The diaphragm 23 is secured by means or the serve mu o compression which is imposed annularly upon it: 02.311 W bh respect t? the desirediplurality of inlet by the flange-bolt attachment of t h 2 v ves, y means 0 an appropr ate ratchet gear. to them body Int-he form shown by Figure It is not the inventor s intention to limit the 1, upward motion of th diaphragm i n ited by Scope of his device t accommodate any specific the fact that the pivot pin :1 will bear upon the number of containersor supply sources. Neither interior of the body t th point where thrust is it intended to limit the number of cam lobes 40 member 1| passes through the guide hole 28. The used for any particular plurality of inlet valves, downward travel of the diaphragm is likewise such as five lobes for two valves, as shown in the hunte by virtue of its proximity to the upper drawings. The number 01' lobes used for two wall 0! themainbody i. valves, for example, can be varied to suit the de- Referring to Figure 2, which is an enlar e sired diaphragm travel. detail or the camyratchet and related parts IA is a boss or iixed shaft projection which may be either integral with or securely attached to the main body, I, interiorly. The cam l8 and the ratchet sprocket ll are tree to rotate on the shaft thus formed, but both parts always rotate as a unit, being fastened together by any convenient means which will prevent them from moving with move in one direction relative to the cam, but not Figure 1 as it u in the other. Referring to the orientation of Pigin a two-drum gas sysmay be withdrawn through outlet ure 1, then, the arm is may rotate alternately in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. The cam, however, will always rotate in the clockwise direction, due to the cooperation and engagement oi'the pawl l9, loaded by the spnng ISA of Figure 2.

Figure 3 shows the present invention diagrammatically as it would be used in a two-drum gas dispensing system, in which 29 and 30 represent two high pressurefuel containers, with primary pressure regulators 3| and 32 connected thereto, preferably of the type disclosed in my application Serial No. 401,849, filed July 10, 1941, which indicate the occurrence of a changeover. Flexible hoses Stand 34 lead into the inlet connections 5 and 8 of the changeover valve body I. outlet H may be installed a second stage pres- .sure regulator 35, if desired, or service line 36 may be connected directly to the outlet ll, depending upon the requirements of the contemplated usage. -Likewise, the primary regulators 3| and 82 may be omitted, if desired, since the changeover valve system will operate on either high or low pressure.

Having described the mechanical construction of my device in detail, I will now explain the manner of its operation. Upon initial installation of the device in a gas dispensing system, a container At the 1 acme-1o through the restricted passage 22 so as to permit the diaphragm to complete its downward stroke before the newly admitted pressure can act to raise the diaphragm again. As the diaphragm now [slowly rises, the pawl slowly recedes one notch on the ratchet, indexing the device in readiness for the next cycle of operation, which will occur when the second source of supply is exhausted, the previous source having been replenished meanwhile. I g

7 It will be apparent from Figure 1 that the cam element can rotate only in one direction, since one of the thrust pins, as It for example, will always be so located that due to the configuration of the cam lobes. a looking or latching effect is obtained.

It is also to be noted that considerable period of dwell is provided in the cam lobes, so that minor pressure fluctuations which'may cause the cam to creep in the advance direction to some extent will not result in premature cycling of the valves.

It is to be understood that this invention is by no means to be restricted to the particular configuration shown in Figure l. The principle of operation employed lends itself well to many variations as to number of inlets or sources handled.

of gas would first be connected to the inlets 5 and 6 by means of suitable hoses or tubing, as

shown'in Figure 3. With the mechanism disposed as shown in Figure 1, gas would not enter through the left-hand valve I since it is in the closed position. The right-hand valve, however, would admit gas under pressure to the interior of the main body I. From this enclosure, pressure would gain access to the underside of the diaphragm through the communicating channel 22. resulting in elevation of the diaphragm to its uppermost limit and compressing the spring 26. Simultaneously, the linkage composed of members i8, 28 and 2| is so motivated as to cause the pawl l 9 to recede clockwise by the amount of one tooth on the ratchet gear or sprocket, thereby cocking the actuating mechanism. The cam does not move, however, since it is engaged by the pin l4,

and is free on its shaft with respect to clockwise motion of the linkage arm I8. Meanwhile, gas i i, from whence it proceeds to the point of utilization, being under control of the user at that point. Upon extended usage of gas from the right-hand source of supply, there will come a time when that source is depleted, resulting in a substantial lowering or complete failure of pressure. This failure of pressure will results in reduction of the total upward force imposed on the diaphragm, thus permitting the spring 26 to extend. The energy which was stored in the spring upon compression is thus now expended in driving the arm l8 in a counter-clockwise direction. In this case, the cam I6 is also rotated counter-clockwise, because of the engagement of the pawl IS in a tooth of the ratchet gear IT. The length of the downward stroke is so regulated, by the mechanical limitation imposed on the diaphragm travel, that the cam will be advanced one step or cycle. In other words, the thrust pin I 4' will now rest on the high portion of the nearest cam lobe, while pin IE will slide toward the left in contact with a low portion of the cam. In this manner, valve 1 is opened and valve 8 is closed. Pressure is now free to enter the chamber enclosed by the body I from the left-hand supply source. This pressure bleeds slowly into the diaphragm chamber Further, the arrangement of valves in the case of a two-station system is subject to variation without departing from the principle illustrated.- For example, by rearranging the location of the valves so that they were not diametrically opposite, an even number of cam lobes could be employed such as four or six. By properly locating the valves, furthermore, two or more sets of valves could be operated, using two or more cams on a.

common shaft. A means of indication of the status of the supply cylinders could be incorporated in the system by installing a pressure-operated semaphore device or a pressure gauge at any desired point in the fuel conduits leading from the cylinders to the changeover valve. I much prefer, however, to employ the semaphore type primary regulators disclosed in my aforementioned application which absolutely avoid confusion on the part of the customer. A positive indication of exhaustion is thus provided on each cylinder.

I claim:

1. An automatic fluid actuated dispensing unit comprising in combination a body having a chamber therein, at least three separate conduits in I the body each conduit'connecting the chamber to a separate fluid line, there being at least a first valve controlling flow in a first one of said conduits and a second valve controlling flow in a second one of said conduits, valve actuating means comprising a rotatable cam member having alternate ridges and depressed portions on the circumference thereof, said valve actuating means being disposed to open each of said valves in order and to hold open only one of said valves at a time by means of said ridges, and fluid pressure operated means automatically responsive every time there is a predetermined rise and fall of pressure in said chamber and automatically actuating said valve actuating means to open the next valve in said order of opening.

2. An automatic fluid actuated dispensing unit comprising in combinationa body having a chamber therein, at least three separate conduits in the body each conduit connecting the chamber to a separate fluid line, there being at least a first having one side exposed toithe pressure in said 'whereby every time a predetermined rise in preschamber, a spring urging said diaphragm inwardly against said pressure, valve actuating means to open one of said valves at a time, the pressure in the chamber forcing the diaphragm outwardly to a first position, connecting means between the diaphragm and actuating means comprising a ratchet gear on the valve actuating means, a crank rotatable about the axis of the ratchet gear, a pawl 'on the crank engaging the ratchet gear for drive in one direction and a pitman connectingthe crank and the diaphragm, said connecting means being disposed to connect said diaphragm in said first position to said'valve actuating means and upon exhaustion of the pressure in the chamber below a predetermined point and resulting inward movement of the diaphragm to sure is followed by a predetermined fall in pressure in said chamber, said first and second valves 6. A control valve comprising in combination a I body having a chamber, said body having three separate conduits communicating with said chamber, a flexible diaphragm forming a wall of said chamber, spring means urging said diaphragm toward said chamber, a cam mounted for drive the valve actuating means to open another one of said valves.

3. An automaticfiuid actuated dispensing unit comprising in combination a body having a chamber therein, at least three separate conduits in the body each conduit connecting the chamber to a separate fluid line, there being at least a first valve controlling fiow in a first one of said conopen the next valve in said order of opening.

4. An automatic fluid actuated dispensing unit comprising in combination a body having a chamber therein, at least three separate conduits in the body, each conduit connecting the chamber to a separate fluid line, there being at least a first valve controlling flow in a first one of said conduits and a second valve controlling flow in at rotation in said chamber about an axis of rotation, alternate portions of the periphery of said cam extending different radial distances from said axis of rotation, a crank arm rotatable about said axis of rotation, drive means actuated by said crank engaging said cam'ior drive in one direction, means connecting the crank and the dia-' phragm, a first valve controlling flow in a first one of said conduits, a second valve controlling How in a second one of said conduits, means urging each of said first and second valves closed, and valve actuating means associated with each of said first and second valves and disposed to be engaged by the periphery of said cam so that one valve is open and the other valve is closed whereby every time a predetermined rise in pressure is followed by a predetermined fall in pressure, in said chamber, said first and second valves are automatically reversed as to their being open or closed by the resulting movement of said diaphragm and cam.

least a second one of said conduits, 'a diaphragm disposed to move from a first outward position to a second inward position with respect to the chamber responsive to a predetermined change of pressure in said chamber, valve actuating means driven by said diaphragm moving under said pressure change disposed to open each 0! said chamber, a flexible diaphragm forming awall of 7. A control valve comprising in combination a body having a chamber, said body having three separate conduits communicating with said chamber, a flexible diaphragm forming a wall of said chamber, means urging said diaphragm toward said' chamber, a cam mounted forrotation in said chamber about an axis of rotation, alternate portions of the periphery of said cam extending different radial distances from said axis of rotation, drive means connecting said diaphragm and said cam converting reciprocating movement of said diaphragm to rotary movement said chamber, spring means urging said diaphragm toward said chamber, a cam mounted for rotation in said'chamber about an axis of rotation, alternate portions of the periphery of said camextendin'g different radial distances from said.

axis, of rotation, a ratchet wheel secured for rotation with said cam, a crank arm rotatable about said axis of rotation, a pawl on said crank engaging said ratchet wheel for drive in one direction,

' her to a separate fluid line, there being at least a pitman connecting the crank and the diaone valve is open and the other valve is closed trolling flow in a second one of said conduits, and valve actuating means associated with each of said first and second valves and disposed to be engaged by the periphery of said cam so that one valve is open and the other valve is closed whereby every time a predetermined rise in pressure is followed by a predetermined fall in pressure in said chamber, said first and second valves.

are automatically reversed as to their being open or closed by the resulting movement of said diaphragm and cam.

8. An automatic fluid actuated dispensing unit comprising incombination a body having a,

chamber therein, at least three separate conduits in the body each conduit connecting the chama first valve controlling fiow in a first one of said conduits and a second valve controlling flow in a second one of said conduits, valve actuating means oomprising'a rotatable cam member having alternate ridges and depressed portions on the circumference thereof, said valve actuating means being disposed to open each of said valves in order and to hold open only. one of said valves at a time by means of said ridges, and fluid pressure operated means automatically responsive every time there is a predetermined rise and fall of pressure in said chamber and automatically actuating said valve actuating means to open the next valve in said order of opening, said valve .actuating means comprising said cam rotatable about an axis for engaging said valve means, said cam having a ratchet gear concentric with said axis, and in which the fluid pressureoperated means comprises a crank arm rotatable about said axis, a pawl on the crank engaging the ratchet for movement in only one direction of rotation, a flexible diaphragm mounted on-said body moving in response to said rise and fall of pressure in said' chamber, a spring urging said diaphragm against the pressure in said chamber and a pitman connecting said crank and said diaphragm.

9. An automatic fluid actuated dispensing unit comprising in combination a body having a chamber therein, at least three separate conduits in the body each conduit connecting the chamber to a separate fluid line, there beingat least a first valve controlling flow in a first one of said conduits and second valve controlling flo'w in a second one of said conduitsf'valve actuating means. disposed to open each of said valves in order and to hold open only one of said valves at a time, and fluid pressure operated means automatically responsive every time there is a predetermined rise and fall of pressure in said chamber and automatically actuating said valve actuating means to open the next valve in said order of opening, in which ,the'fluid pressure operated means comprises a flexible diaphragm mounted on said body moving in response to said rise and fall of pressure in said chamber.

10. An automatic fluid actuated dispensing unit comprising in combination a body having a chamber therein, at least three separate conduits. in the body each conduit connecting the chamber to a separate fluid line, there being at least a flrst valve controlling flow in a first one of said conduits and a second valve controlling flow in. a second one of said conduits, valve actuating means disposed to open each of said valves in order and to hold open only one of said valves at a time, and fluid pressure operated means automatically responsive every time there is a predetermined rise and fall of pressure in said chamber and automatically actuating said valve actuating means to open the next valve in said order of opening, in. which the fluid pressure operated means comprises a flexible diaphragm mounted on said body moving in response to said rise and fall of pressurein said chamber, and

a spring urging said diaphragm against the pressure in said chamber.

11. A control valve comprising means for cou-' pling a supply line totwo exhaustible and replaceable sources of gas supply; valve actuating means for automatically closing said valve to one of said sources of supply each time said valve actuating means is actuated, and motor means coupled to said valve actuating means for driving said valve actuating means to close said valve to the source it is open to upon the pressure in said supply line falling to a predetermined point comprising a diaphragm responsive to said pressure in said supply line and a spring means receiving energy from said'diaphragm and being compressed by each source of gas supply as it is coupled to the supply line, the spring means storing energy to furnish the force for actuating the valve actuating means-each time the pressure in said supply line falls to said predetermined point. Y

12. An automatic fluid actuated dispensing unit comprising in combination a body. having a chamber therein, at least three separate conduits in the body each conduit connecting the chamber to a separate fluid line, there being at least a first valve controlling flow in a flrst one of said conduits and a second valve controlling flow in a second one of said conduits, valve actuating means comprising a cam rotatable about an axis in said chamber and having alternate ridges and depressed portions on the circumference thereof, said cam having a ratchet gear concentric'with said axis, said valve actuating means being disposed to open each of said valves'in order and to hold open only one of said valves at a time by means of said ridges, and fluid pressure operated means comprising a crank arm rotatable about said axis, a pawl on the crank engaging the ratchet for movement in only one direction of rotation, a flexible diaphragm mounted on said body moving in response to said rise and fall oftpressure in said chamber, a spring urging said diaphragm against. the pressure in said: 

